A wonderfully exciting two years of growth. At Barrow Hills, children have the opportunity to be at the top of the school at an extremely formative time in their development.

It is a truly wonderful thing to be able to mature in a safe environment with people who know and understand you. The experiences we offer in Upper Prep aim to prepare the whole child for life beyond Barrow Hills, not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

Upper Prep is a transitional phase of education and we offer a high level of support here. Our teachers develop higher order thinking and analytical skills. We encourage the children to become independent learners and to work things out for themselves. Smaller classes mean we know children as individuals and we offer targeted support where needed, whether this is supporting those with learning differences or extending the academically gifted.

Leadership skills for life

Though our results are excellent, it’s not all about exams. Life at the Top is about sending our children off to their next schools as well rounded, responsible and resilient individuals who care for others and try their very best in all areas of school life. In Upper Prep at Barrow Hills, our children learn to be responsible and resilient by applying for Captaincies such as Head of School, Head of House or as a Captain of areas such as Pre-Prep, sport, drama, art or science. They can become Peer Mentors or Wellbeing Ambassadors and support the younger children. Weekly meetings over a hot chocolate encourage children to set targets for themselves so that they can fulfil their responsibilities to the best of their ability and offer real support to staff and other children.

Recently we have been mindful to capture and act upon pupil voice. As a group, the vast majority of Year 7 and 8 report that they ”really enjoy school, feel challenged and enabled to do their best and become increasingly independent”. They love learning and feel they safe.

We wish to ensure this overwhelmingly positive outlook continues to grow. Recently we developed new projects to enhance sports and social links working with our partner school, King Edward’s Witley. These projects allow us to go above and beyond what a prep school our size might ordinarily offer.

Upper Prep at Barrow Hills a vibrant hub of opportunity, busting at the seams with children beginning the task of discovering where life will take them. With many children travelling forward with scholarships and all with a passion for personal and collective achievement, we know that exciting futures await.